Dhaka: Dhaka University teachers and students on Monday demanded that those responsible for carrying out attacks on the residence of the DU Vice-chancellor be identified and a democratic environment be ensured on the campus.

They made the demand at a views-exchange meeting held at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC). Bangladesh General Students’ Rights Protection Council arranged the programme, reports the UNB.

Prof MM Akash of Economics department, Prof Abul Kashem Fazlul Huq of Bangla, Prof Tanzumuddin Khan of International Relations, and Prof Robayet Ferdous, Prof Fahmidul Huq and Associate Prof Abdur Razzaque Khan of Mass Communication and Journalism department, among others, addressed the function presided over by council convener Hasan Al Mamun.

Prof MM Akash said, ‘It’s the duty of the university authorities to protect students from all kinds of problems. But in recent times, they couldn’t perform their duty properly over the quota-reform movement. Even they’re still in a dilemma whether they’ll support the students or not.’

Mentioning that they had been claiming from the beginning that no DU student was involved in any vandalism, he said it was proved on Sunday with the arrest of four outsiders over the attack on the VC residence. ‘So, I hope no one of our students will be harassed in the future.’ 

Prof Robayet Ferdous said, ‘If the law enforcement agencies are to arrest or harass any general student, they should detain us before doing so.’

Expressing their support to the students, he said, ‘You’re like our sons. We’re always with you. So, you have nothing to be afraid of. We’ll continue to support your logical demands. Teachers of this university will surely give an apt response if anyone tries to harass the students.’